Bike Nirvana
Yet another cycling blog
Saving the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon Evo, partie deux
May 5, 2024
Neglected Specialized, again?
So, I've been enjoying the rides once more and the 70km ride last labor day felt so good. Today, we're going to have some pizza!
That was a nice plan until the Creo froze while we were climbing Tagaytay at about 19 kilometers mark. I turned off the motor and the crank won't turn forward, but turns backwards as it should. I am dead, that's what got in my head as we're 22 km away from home. There's no Grab and while Carlo suggested that he can ride home and bring his pickup, I tried to remain calm as we eat our suman.
After a few minutes, I can crank the bike again but there some consistent resistance felt. I was thankful as I can run without assist, so we rode to Pizzeria Saletta Tagaytay and have our four-way, buratta pizza.
Afterwards, we rode back avoiding the highways and I've been suffering from gear issues all along. Nevertheless, I got back home after 50 kilometers.
Back to Japan or buy a Como?
Should I go back to Specialized Shinjuku to be scolded by the staff while buying a replacement motor? I'm pretty sure the cost of the motor is going to be half that of the entire bike even with the hefty discount that I can avail in Japan.
But I can buy a Como which is the cheapest electrified Specialized using the same SL1.1 motor as the Creo, I can then transplant the motor to the Creo and sell the Como as non-assisted bike. Yeah? That will work.
I pestered Mike to set me an appointment with Specialized service at the Gruppo Innovare in Marikina. While driving, I received a random call which I mistaken for a scammer so I quipped "Sino ka?!" and that turns out to to be RJ from Specialized Philippines. My appointment has been confirmed!
PMS
Just like a car, the Creo needs some care and this is the first time since purchase that it will receive a proper service.
I headed to Gruppo Innovare and met RJ and Dan who wasted no time in working on the Creo.
The Creo received it long overdue firmware update before the motor was diagnosed and extracted from the frame. RJ showed me what Turbo Studio found out...
Physical check up confirmed the super dirty speed sensor. Soon after, Dan called out our attention for the real cause of the problem...
The cogs were loose and it's scraping the derailleur hanger that caused strain on the motor and protected itself by locking out. It also explains why I'm having all sorts of shifting issues.
Complete maintenance
I asked RJ to just perform complete maintenance and checkup which will include removing and inspecting the motor, inspecting the Future Shock 2, the dropper seats, tuning, cleaning, etc.
I am relieved when I was told the motor is fine. RJ pointed out that the reason he specifically asked me during our previous call if I can turn the crank backwards, is that if I can't, the motor is done. So I'm still lucky that it didn't fail.
I asked RJ if they have the Specialized Turbo Road Remote which is a set consisting of two buttons, wires, and junction box to control the assist modes of the TCU. The buttons are installed in the handlebar so that I don't rave to reach down (and look) to set the assist mode.
I told RJ I intended to buy it from BikeInn in Europe and it turns out he has one, new in box. Great!
When the work was completed, my Creo looks like new again!
First class service
I am delighted with the first class service the Creo got, RJ and Dan are a great pair, complementing electronics and mechanical knowledge.
We had our lunch at the adjacent restaurant that, I was told, is also owned by the same group. I had callos and it was good.
In the end, I am glad to pay the P8,920 fee and it was a good thing they have bank transfer as I only had P150 in my wallet. The fee includes the following:
- Turbo Road Remote
- Derailleur hanger
- Spiral cable wrap
- TCU battery
- Maintenance work
- Diagnostics
- Cleaning
By the way Ritchie dropped by and asked if everything's alright and I gave him a thumbs up.